Pendragon surpasses $200k fundraising goal

July 8, 2013

SARANAC LAKE - Pendragon Theatre has successfully completed its "Campaign to Secure the Future," raising $220,000 in gifts and pledges and surpassing its $200,000 goal.

The campaign raised money for Pendragon's annual fund, endowment and the cost of the transition to a new leadership following the departure of Pendragon founders Bob Pettee and Susan Neal. The theatre, which has just begun its 33rd summer season, is now led by Executive Artistic Director Karen Lordi-Kirkham and Managing Director David Zwierankin.

"The board wanted to ensure that the new leaders could focus on their new roles without having to constantly worry about the day-to-day finances as we moved through the transition and into the future," Charlie Carroll, Pendragon's board president and campaign leader said in a press release. "When we began the campaign, everyone thought the goal was a dream. Well, the dream is reality thanks to the tremendous support of our patrons and the hard work of both the company and the team who ran the campaign."

The funds will be received over a three-year period. Lordi-Kirkham said the campaign has given Pendragon a stronger financial base to build on and will allow the theatre to explore new artistic endeavors.

"This incredible support is a testament to the legacy that Bob and Susan gave to the community of bringing first-rate theatre to Saranac Lake and the Adirondacks," she said. "We are committed to ensuring the Pendragon continues to fulfill its mission in the years to come."

Zwierankin said Pendragon will work hard to raise money through its annual fund, a summer benefit, the sale of advertising space in the theatre's annual program and grant applications. He noted that ticket sales account for less than 40 percent of Pendragon's annual operating budget.

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Founded in 1981, Pendragon is the only year-round professional theatre in the Adirondacks. It is dedicated to preserving the vitality and enhancing the quality of professional theatre through year-round performance and education programs.

The theatre's summer season includes "Aladdin," "Dirty Blonde," "Doubt," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Complete World of Sports (abridged)," a one-night only cabaret "Mississippi Voodoo" and the one-woman show "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow: A Confession."